The base metal of most our jewellery is brass, which is an alloy of copper and zinc. Adding aluminum makes brass stronger and more corrosion resistant. We use brass as our base metal for our jewellery for its unique properties. Brass receives the top plating in stainless steel very well. Freshly polished brass is similar to gold in appearance, but becomes more reddish within days of exposure to the elements, which is why a top plating process is required. Brass is relatively resistant to tarnishing, and is often used as decoration and for coins. In antiquity, polished brass was often used as a mirror. Brass is nickel and lead free and anti-allergenic.